Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and a little fun. I remember one year when my cousin Jake decided to surprise us with his own twist on cranberry butternut squash recipes. Let me tell you, it was a hit! These recipes not only celebrate the flavors of the season but also make for delightful Thanksgiving sides that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love It
- They're colorful and festive, perfect for your holiday table.
- The sweet and tart combination is simply irresistible.
- They're packed with nutrients, making your meal both tasty and healthy.
- They pair wonderfully with turkey and other classic Thanksgiving dishes.
Pure Comfort
Cranberry butternut squash recipes bring warmth and joy to any gathering. The combination of roasted squash and tangy cranberries creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly Thanksgiving day.
What You Need
- 4 cups 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced – You can substitute with acorn squash if needed.
- 8 oz 1 cup fresh cranberries – Frozen cranberries work too; just thaw them first.
- 60 ml 1/4 cup maple syrup – Honey can be used as a sweetener alternative.
- 30 ml 2 tbsp olive oil – Avocado oil is a great substitute.
- 5 g 1 tsp cinnamon – Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 2 g 1/2 tsp salt – Adjust to taste.
- 2 oz 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled – Goat cheese can be a delicious alternative.
- 15 g 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Use cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can prepare the squash a day in advance.
Steps to Make It
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). This helps to get everything nice and roasted. The aroma of warming spices will fill your kitchen soon.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, cranberries, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything together until well coated. The vibrant colors will brighten your day.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the squash is in a single layer for even roasting. It should look inviting and colorful.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. You'll know it’s done when the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Sprinkle the roasted mixture with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. The contrast of colors and textures will make your dish pop!
- Serve warm as a side dish at your Thanksgiving table. Everyone will be asking for seconds, trust me!
Make It Perfect
- For a sweeter touch, add a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts before serving.
- If you want a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mix.
- Make sure to check the squash for doneness by piercing it with a fork; it should be soft and easy to break apart.
Mix It Up
- Try adding some cooked quinoa for a heartier dish.
- Incorporate other seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots for extra flavor.
Perfect Partners
- Roasted turkey with cranberry sauce
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
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FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the butternut squash and cranberries a day in advance and roast them just before serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
What can I substitute for cranberries?
Dried cranberries or even pomegranate seeds can work well as substitutes.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor.
Conclusion
These cranberry butternut squash recipes are sure to be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering. They combine sweetness and savory flavors that everyone will enjoy. So go ahead and make this delightful dish, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite!
Cranberry Butternut Squash Recipes for Thanksgiving
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Large bowl
- Parchment Paper
Ingredients
Cranberry Butternut Squash
- 4 cups cups butternut squash, peeled and diced You can substitute with acorn squash if needed.
- 8 oz oz fresh cranberries Frozen cranberries work too; just thaw them first.
- 60 ml ml maple syrup Honey can be used as a sweetener alternative.
- 30 ml ml olive oil Avocado oil is a great substitute.
- 5 g g cinnamon Feel free to add nutmeg for extra warmth.
- 2 g g salt Adjust to taste.
- 2 oz oz feta cheese, crumbled Goat cheese can be a delicious alternative.
- 15 g g fresh parsley, chopped Use cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). This helps to get everything nice and roasted. The aroma of warming spices will fill your kitchen soon.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced butternut squash, cranberries, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Toss everything together until well coated. The vibrant colors will brighten your day.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure the squash is in a single layer for even roasting. It should look inviting and colorful.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know it’s done when the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Sprinkle the roasted mixture with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. The contrast of colors and textures will make your dish pop!
- Serve warm as a side dish at your Thanksgiving table. Everyone will be asking for seconds, trust me!